Barking Points: Eighth Grade Registration

Many a wise philosopher has preached, “Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.” Preparation is critical to the process of success; it lays down the solid foundation required for mental stability and confidence. To ensure the best success of this year’s eighth grade class, they are preparing for their freshman year thoroughly and early.

Last Friday, May 9, Ritzville School District principal, Teresa Laher and Lind-Ritzville Schools counselor, Christy Kunstmann, joined together with the class of 2018 to prepare their class schedules for the next academic calendar. Throughout the process, eighth grade students got a glance at what their high school lives might look like and how important it is to set elevated standards and work hard to achieve their goals.

In the high school schedule there are many classes—particularly electives—that will help students broaden their academic horizons. Electives in high school cover a wide variety of vocations and interests, including agriculture, accounting, band, color/design, debate/communications, drama, horticulture, and study hall. All of the choices have students excited about exploring new avenues of learning.

LRMS/LRHS counselor, Christy Kunstmann, sees the importance of preparing for classes: “I believe it’s important for students to plan ahead for high school so that they can make the most out of the experience there. High school is a time [for students] to explore [their] interests, as well as make some long-time friendships.”

As next year’s freshman registered for classes, they got the opportunity to see the wide variety of advanced classes that are offered to older students – the kind of classes that prepares them for college, careers, and beyond. By striving for success in their classes as freshman, this year’s eighth graders will swiftly clear the pathway towards higher learning.

The list of advanced classes for students to possibly take in the future is impressive, including Computer Aided Design (CAD) I and II, culinary arts, Spanish II and III, Advanced Placement (AP) history, AP Biology, AP Computer Science, AP English, publications, and a series of agricultural classes including Ag Science, Business, Leadership and Mechanics.

Kunstmann said, “By setting goals for the future now, students will be able to choose classes that will prepare them for future careers. For instance, if a student knows that they want to continue with agricultural studies, it would be beneficial to get signed up for Ag classes.”

She continued, “[High school] is also a great time to find out what interests a student may or may not have. By taking different elective classes, a student is able to find out more about that subject area.

Communication between parents and students is important as they mold and shape the path that they want to pursue. Eighth graders and all other students and LRMS are preparing for the next grade, as they take one step closer towards the end of the year.